Elements 2 topics

[twl845]

:roll: This forum helps me to an extent. I am using Photoshop Elements 2
which is PS for the rest of us. How about including comments, questions, and solutions for Elements.

[Scottes]

I don't know Elements, but my understanding is that it lacks things like layers and 16-bit editing and many filters I'm sure, but that many other PS things will work. Have you looked through the Tutorials list at the top of this forum? I think - but I'm not sure - that 90% of the stuff mentioned is supported in Elements.

Out of the tutorials that I wrote I know that I mention the Shadows & Highlights adjustment and that's not supported in Elements. Also, the Replacing A Sky tutorial is not at all Elements-friendly. But I think that just about everything else should work in Elements.

Hell, most of it should work in any high-end graphics editing program. The exact command and settings won't be accurate, but the process should be.


If I'm wrong about Elements please let me know. A couple of people have mentioned things and I've tried to stay away from features only available in PS CS. I should just load PSE - I've got it somewhere...

While I'm on the subject, does anyone care about Paint Shop Pro? I've been using it for years, so I could go through some things on that, too. I've got that loaded, too, though I'm still on version 7.

[ejwebb]

PS Elements does have layers - it does not have curves or color separations (see below), does not save actions and does not support RAW files (among other things) - otherwise it does have most of the other key functions of PS CS necessary for a DSLR newbie like me. Search for a comparison in Google - I remember seeing a few good ones.

I just switched to Elements since it came with my camera (from PSP 7) and really like it - especially since I purchased two books (combined just under $50 at Barnesandnoble.com with free shipping). They are "The Photoshop Elements Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby and "The Hidden Powers of Photoshop Elements 2" by Richard Lynch. The Kelby book provides great illustrations and processes to deal with common photo adjustments - helped me understand what I have been doing wrong in PSP 7 for years.

The Lynch book is a little more advanced but really helped me understand some more complicated concepts like the Histogram and Levels. There are great tutorials in the book also that I intend to follow for even more training. Additionally, a CD is included that unlocks many of the functionality missing from Elements - namely a curves adjustment tool. Lynch's website also offers a "mending" tool similar to PS CS's "healing" tool for about $15. I have not yet gotten to the software tools on the CD but have read great reviews.

Discovering levels and histograms and better sharpening methods in these books have made a world of difference in my DRebel pictures.

Enjoy!

[Jmurman]

PS Elements does have layers - it does not have curves or color separations (see below), does not save actions and does not support RAW files (among other things) - otherwise it does have most of the other key functions of PS CS necessary for a DSLR newbie like me. Search for a comparison in Google - I remember seeing a few good ones.

I just switched to Elements since it came with my camera (from PSP 7) and really like it - especially since I purchased two books (combined just under $50 at Barnesandnoble.com with free shipping). They are "The Photoshop Elements Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby and "The Hidden Powers of Photoshop Elements 2" by Richard Lynch. The Kelby book provides great illustrations and processes to deal with common photo adjustments - helped me understand what I have been doing wrong in PSP 7 for years.

The Lynch book is a little more advanced but really helped me understand some more complicated concepts like the Histogram and Levels. There are great tutorials in the book also that I intend to follow for even more training. Additionally, a CD is included that unlocks many of the functionality missing from Elements - namely a curves adjustment tool. Lynch's website also offers a "mending" tool similar to PS CS's "healing" tool for about $15. I have not yet gotten to the software tools on the CD but have read great reviews.

Discovering levels and histograms and better sharpening methods in these books have made a world of difference in my DRebel pictures.

Enjoy!

thanks for your info on the Lynch book. i just ordered one from Amazon. I had looked on PE2 for curves today and could'nt find it, so this is a cool thing to get a CD with curves.

[ejwebb]

No problem - I still have not found time to work with the cd...eventually.

[Jmurman]

No problem - I still have not found time to work with the cd...eventually.

I got my book in today from Amazon. I cannot for the life of me get this disc to install. Have yoi had any problems with yours? I know it is supposed to list the "tools" but it hasn't...

I am getting pretty frustrated and am about ready to spend for the PSCS...

[ejwebb]

TWL845

I just loaded the disc - you have to make sure you pick the Elements 2 version and browse to the Photoshop Elements folder when prompted - and extracted the files. The passwords are given in the Introduction to the book. I opened a photo and followed the directions provided in the read me file that popped up to access curves - works as advertised based on my ten second test. You access the tools through the "how to" tab on the menu bar.

Gotta get the kids in bed but will play around some more with it later. Let me know if you are still having problems.

Good luck!

[ejwebb]

TWL845

I just loaded the disc - you have to make sure you pick the Elements 2 version and browse to the Photoshop Elements folder when prompted - and extracted the files. The passwords are given in the Introduction to the book. I opened a photo and followed the directions provided in the read me file that popped up to access curves - works as advertised based on my ten second test. You access the tools through the "how to" tab on the menu bar.

Gotta get the kids in bed but will play around some more with it later. Let me know if you are still having problems.

Good luck!